About
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I have been playing the game of golf for nearly 30 years... When I started I really had no idea what the game was about let alone what was needed to play well. But I fell in love with the game and the challenge of it. Over the years, I have learned a great deal about the game... and, about myself. I have read and studied many books, golf swing videos along with games of many touring golf professionals up close and personal... along with personally hitting somewhere in the area of 1 million practice balls... plus or minus a couple hundred thousand. Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriot, in their Vision54 system, recommend understanding physical, technical, mental, emotional, social and even spiritual elements of the game. I have used their system very effectively... it is an integral part of my game and I believe it can help you too. I have been fueled by years of steady progress, increased understanding of the game and most importantly, personal satisfaction of playing great golf. |
Along the way, the game has allowed me tremendous experiences. Experiences that have allowed me to watch the best play this game up close and personal. Unknowingly these experiences have guided me to assembling the golf lesson options that are now available to you. I struggled in each of the categories... these were my deficiencies... possibly the same deficiencies that may be holding you back from playing your best golf.
My passion for golf has allowed me to play practice rounds with PGA Tour Player Kelly Gibson as we both prepared to qualify for the 1991 Bakersfield Open on the Ben Hogan Tour (known today as the Nationwide Tour). Kelly made it. I didn't. I was disappointed but the experience was invaluable. It's pretty simple... there is only one way to learn... play the game.
I have shaken the leathery hand of Arnold Palmer as he was rummaged through golf clubs in the trunk of his Cadillac courtesy car when he was still playing competitive golf at the MONY Tournament of Champions at La Costa. He treated me so kindly... he didn't have to. He was such a gentleman.
I have personally looked into the eyes of Raymond Floyd while he was in actual play... he wasn't rude in the least but I remember getting a taste of his legendary focus and concentration. At that very moment, I knew there was more to golf than just a golf swing.
I have spoken casually with Payne Stewart about the importance of feel as he hit putts for an hour or so while the sun set on practice greens in San Diego... he was preparing for his round the next day. I didn't understand at the time, but I understand now what he meant when he said he was "programming his computer".
Then there was Lanny Wadkins masterfully exiting bunkers time and again during a clinic in Las Vegas. At another private clinic at Santa Ana Country Club I watched Fred Couples boom prodigious drives down the first fairway... effortlessly... with the rhythm and balance he is so well known for.
In New York, I personally watched Phil Michelson play his last amateur round of golf at Winged Foot Golf Club against David Duval and other NCAA Champions before jetting off for his professional debut at the 1992 US Open at Pebble Beach. I remember the buzz that surrounded him... his new Yonex golf bag and clubs and word that they came with a hefty multimillion dollar contract. He ended up missing the cut at Pebble Beach... but I'd say he's doing just fine considering his 47 professional wins which includes 3 Masters, 1 PGA and more than $63 million in earnings... not including endorsements.
And then there was the time I stood inside the ropes tossing good humored sarcasm back and forth with Chris Berman (ESPN Sportscaster) about Tiger Wood's chances of winning the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach all while I stood only a few feet from Tiger as he hit piercing shot after piercing shot. Tiger won the US Open by 15 shots. I remember his calm demeanor during his final round warm up... and his unique practice routine. He hit all kinds of shots... at all kinds of targets as though he was already playing his round. Yet, he was still on the practice tee. It was extraordinary to watch... and take in.
These are a few of the personal learning experiences that have shaped my understanding and love of the game. Understanding and experiences that his integrated into my game and I am willing to share with you.
If you have a passion to play good golf... and see just how good you can get... give me a call.
Thanks for visiting, best wishes and enjoy the journey...
To learn more about me personally, my accomplishments, studies, travels, and playing performance click the logo below.
